“So, what do you plan to do after college?” “Did you get an interview?” “Will you have your own place?” “Are you dating? When do you think you’ll get engaged?” The questions, it seems, are endless, and the road, for some, doesn’t seem clear. And it’s okay. It’s okay to not exactly know what you want to do or who you’re meant to be. It’s okay to be afraid of not seeing your life mapped out for the next 50 miles.
Remember the sweetest moments of your life — maybe that means your time during college, your childhood or your adolescence — and treasure them, because that’s what will get you through the rough and tumble.
But what shouldn’t get lost in the din should be your ambitions, your passions and the sources of your happiness, and, equally as important, your plans to keep moving forward when it seems the world is pushing you back.
Embrace change and trek toward your goals, but stay true to yourself and what you know is right.
Hold your dreams close, and cherish the people — the friends, family, professors, mentors and acquaintances — that will bring you one step closer to achieving your visions.
Life is a smattering of scary and exciting moments — pinpoints on a great canvas — that will only begin to resemble a whole picture with patience, intelligence and courage. It’s up to you to connect the dots.
NAAZ MODAN / PHOTO EDITOR
Cap & Gown
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May 2015
Graduation Schedule 2015 Monday May 18
Saturday May 2
Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy Convocation for Master’s and Doctoral Degree Recipients Saturday May 16, 3 p.m. Nicholas Music Center, Douglass Campus
University College Community Saturday May 2, 7 p.m. Douglass Student Center
School of Management and Labor Relations Saturday May 16, 4 p.m. Louis Brown Athletic Center
Thursday May 14
Sunday May 17
New Jersey Medical School Monday May 18, 10 a.m. New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark
School of Communication and Information Thursday May 14, 5 p.m. Louis Brown Athletic Center
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Sunday May 17, 8:30 a.m. Livingston Student Center
Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy Convocation for Bachelor’s Degree Recipients Thursday May 14, 6 p.m. State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
Graduate School—New Brunswick Sunday May 17, 9:30 a.m. Louis Brown Athletic Center
The University’s 249th Annual Commencement Sunday May 17, 12:30 p.m. High Point Solutions Stadium
Friday May 15 Rutgers Business School: Undergraduate—New Brunswick Friday May 15, 2 p.m. Louis Brown Athletic Center Mason Gross School of the Arts Friday May 15, 2:30 p.m. State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology Sunday May 17, 9 a.m. Visitor Center, Busch Campus School of Arts and Sciences Sunday May 17, 3 p.m. High Point Solutions Stadium School of Engineering Sunday May 17, 4:30 p.m. Louis Brown Athletic Center
Saturday May 16
School of Health Related Professions Sunday May 17, 4:30 p.m. College Avenue Gymnasium
Douglass Residential College Saturday May 16, 10 a.m. Antilles Field, Douglass Campus
School of Public Health Sunday May 17, 4:30 p.m. Nicholas Music Center
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy Monday May 18, 10 a.m. College Avenue Gymnasium
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Monday May 18, 10 a.m. Passion Puddle, George H. Cook Campus Rain Location: Louis Brown Athletic Center School of Social Work New Brunswick, Newark and Camden students Monday May 18, 3 p.m. Louis Brown Athletic Center School of Dental Medicine Monday May 18, 4 p.m. New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Graduate School of Education Monday May 18, 4:30 p.m. College Avenue Gymnasium Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Monday May 18, 7 p.m. State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick Wednesday May 20 School of Nursing Wednesday May 20, 10 a.m. New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark
Cap & Gown
May 2015
Page 3
Post-graduation Plans Rutgers graduate readies to pursue physics Ph.D. at Berkeley DAN COREY ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR
While many graduating seniors are concerned with having a job lined up after commencement, a few others decided to continue their education and pursue a graduate degree. Vetri Velan, a School of Engineering senior, discussed his experience at the University, what he has in store after graduation and advice for his peers. After completing a double major in chemical engineering and physics along with a minor in mathematics, Velan said he will be attending the University of California, Berkeley to start earning his Ph.D. in physics with a potential concentration in high-energy experiments. “I am (interested) in physics and about how the universe works and contributing to human knowledge,” Velan said. “In order to go in physics, a graduate degree is crucial.
You can’t really do it (without one).” Completing an extensive curriculum was extremely difficult at times, but ultimately fulfilling, he said. “I enjoyed the stuff I was doing, and I was learning a lot about different kinds of things academically but also in terms of student involvement,” he said. After serving as a member of the University Senate and 2013-2014 president of the Engineering Governing Council (EGC), Velan developed organizational and managerial skills he would not have cultivated by staying in the classroom, he said. Assuming an interpersonal responsibility at the University gave Velan the opportunity to meet and network with people he would not meet otherwise, he said. Although he never actually learned engineering, physics or mathematics while serving as the governing council president, Velan said he was able to incorporate his
non-technical knowledge into a real-world application. “I would not be where I am today without the Engineering Governing Council,” he said. “It’s probably been the most crucial
“You should always be focusing on ‘Where do I want to be in five years?’” VETRI VELAN School of Engineering Alumnus, University of California, Berkeley Ph.D. in Physics Candidate
part of my career (during) my four years here ... I’ve learned things like communication, leadership (and) management.” Velan said it is important for seniors to keep their options open
and try to seize any and all opportunities. Seeking out chances to develop an interdisciplinary skill set will always be beneficial in some capacity. It is also critical for seniors to take advantage of and apply what was learned during their time at the University — these skills can range anywhere from communication, to management, to natural sciences and more, Velan said. “Apply wide,” he said. “Apply to different jobs and perhaps graduate school, if that’s something (you) might be interested in. Just try to ... use what you learned in college and how those skills can (provide) you with a post-graduate career.” Graduating seniors, in particular, should try their best to not sell themselves short while trying to tap into the job market, Velan said. Seniors also need to understand that the skills and traits employers
look for are not as unattainable as one might think, he said. “Even if (seniors) are in a position where they don’t think that they are qualified for a position ... try anyway,” he said. At the end of the day, Velan said it is critical for everybody, but especially seniors, to keep their eyes on the prize — no matter what the prize may be. “Everyone wants different things in life,” he said. “But it’s important throughout your life to keep looking forward to your goals (and) your passions ... You should always be focusing on ‘Where do I want to be in five years?’” Dan Corey is a Rutgers Business School first-year student majoring in pre-business and journalism and media studies. He is an Associate News Editor at The Daily Targum. Follow him on Twitter @_dancorey for more stories.
U. senior interviews with CIA, lands job at Lockheed Martin NATASHA TRIPATHI ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR
Anthony Tortorello said he clearly remembered sitting at his desk on the third floor of Mattia Hall on Busch campus in September 2011, pondering over which division of engineering to choose as his major. “If you had told freshman me that three years and a month from that day I would receive an offer of employment from Lockheed (Martin) then I would have told you you were crazy,” said the School of Engineering senior. Tortorello said his hard work will have paid off after he accepts a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at graduation, where he will jet off to another state to work as a systems engineer for Lockheed Martin beginning this summer to handle the integration of electrical, computer and mechanical systems on aircrafts, as well as their troubleshooting and improvement. “I am so lucky and blessed to be able to say that I am doing exactly what I wanted to do as an incoming freshman,” he said. “As a child I had always been fascinated with space and air travel, and I stumbled across a company that worked on crafts for exactly those purposes: Lockheed Martin.” But before he landed his first job out of college, he said he interviewed with the CIA for his job, which he described as being “taxing and nerve wracking.” Then, it took about 6 weeks after the process to hear anything back from them. Although Tortorello worked hard during college, he said the secret to his success was to think like an engineer but market like a businessman, he said. “Forget your GPA,” he said, recalling the best advice he received as an undergraduate. “Network, network, network.” There is no such thing as bad networking, or too much networking, Tortorello said. The best job and research opportunities do not
necessarily go to the people with the highest grades, but to those who are self-aware and know how to market their abilities. This experience and philosophy has led him to people and opportunities that peers with better academic grades have not had, including Google, Lockheed Martin, Deloitte, eBay, Oracle, SpaceX and Boston Consulting Group, he said. “This is not to say that grades aren’t important and that you shouldn’t still study hard for every course,” he said. “It needs to be put into perspective. Your grades prove that you have the capacity to learn and apply information quickly, and that’s great. However, it is who you know that will allow those skills to get you where you want to be.” While Tortorello said he has a lot of opinions about Rutgers, at
the end of it all, there is no doubt in his mind that the University helped him become the man that he is today, as well as the man
“At Rutgers, you can be anyone that you desire, and there is always someone ... who share(s) your passions no matter how bizarre.” ANTHONY TORTORELLO School of Engineering Alumnus, Lockheed Martin Employee
that he wanted to be as a firstyear student. One of his favorite things about Rutgers is that it is, for all
W
intents and purposes, “a sample population of our entire countr y,” he said. “We’ve all heard Rutgers preach diversity over and over again,” he said. “However, this diversity extends far beyond just race and religion. At Rutgers, you can be anyone that you desire, and there is always someone, or multiple people for that matter, who share your passions no matter how bizarre.” In retrospect, Tortorello fashioned his college experience into one that was perfect for him, the person he wanted to be and one he became, he said. By reaching out and diving into many different sects of college life such as music, research, leadership, community service, professionalism, athletics and internships, he “perfectly tailored” his time at the University.
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Rutgers showed him that with due diligence, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished, Tortorello said. And as he gets ready to step out into the world and start his new job, Tortorello said he feels nostalgic, satisfied and proud of what he accomplished at the University. “I have landed what I consider to be my dream job, but that is not to say that I will be stopping there,” he said. “From my experiences at this University I have become a dreamer and have laid out so many goals that I would like to see my future self achieve.” Natasha Tripathi is a School of Arts and Sciences junior majoring in political science and journalism and media studies. She is an Associate News Editor at The Daily Targum. Follow her on Twitter @ natashatripathi for more stories.
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May 2015
Rutgers Business School senior secures job at Facebook AVALON ZOPPO ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR
After multiple phone interviews and a trip to San Francisco during a drought, Daisy Fernandez could breathe a sigh of relief about her post-graduation plans. Fernandez, a Rutgers Business School senior, landed her dream job more than five months before commencement at Silicon Valley giant, Facebook. “Going to the business school, everyone works at Goldman Sachs, so I thought I’d just end up somewhere on Wall Street,” she said. “Four years ago, I didn’t think I’d end up at Facebook.” After two phone interviews, she was flown out to California in December for four more interviews. A week later, she heard back with good news. But Fernandez does not have to relocate across the country for her job. Instead, she will be working at Facebook’s office in New York City. During the many interviews, Fernandez said what made her stand out from the pool of applicants was her passion. “Oftentimes, people want these roles simply because of the company, but you have to genuinely love what (the company) is doing and fit into that culture,” she said. “When I visited their headquarters, I immediately felt at home.” As a supply chain and management major, Fernandez said she is glad she got a job in her field. Her title at the company is a client’s solution manager, which entails
Rutgers Business School graduate and former Google intern Daisy Fernandez, left, will begin her first job out of college at Facebook’s office in New York City, where she will work as a client solution manager. COURTESY OF DAISY FERNANDEZ working on Facebook’s advertising platform. “Essentially, we get advertising clients and then I’ll be a consultant for Facebook and manage their accounts, do all the advertising with them, as well as the reporting and metrics,” she said. Fernandez said she eventually wants to focus on philanthropic endeavors at Facebook. “I want to be able to work with Facebook to eventually help people that come from traditionally marginalized groups and help them have their own success story,” she said.
Throughout her four years at the University, Fernandez said she has had many unpaid internships that eventually led to her job at Facebook. From working at a small agency to interning at the multinational technology company Google, Fernandez said internships are an important step in landing your dream job. “I didn’t think I was going to get these jobs or internships, but I was like ‘Alright, what do I have to lose?’” she said. The support system at the University helped Fernandez find her passion in marketing.
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“I always knew I wanted to do something that was business-related but also creative and interactive with people,” she said. “I did research and found out marketing fit that description, so I star ted taking more marketing classes.” Fernandez joined the Douglass Residential College as a first-year student, and said being surrounded by driven individuals ultimately gave her the drive to start a social media program at Douglass. After implementing her residential college social media program, Fernandez ended up working at
the Student Life marketing team for three years. “That was a big aspect of my time here,” she said. “It was a very supportive atmosphere. (Student Life) was always pushing me to apply to different things and helped with career coaching.” After graduation, Fernandez and her friends hope to start a scholarship at the Douglass Residential College. Fernandez believes the ability of a student to find a job depends not only on the industry they are entering, but also their resourcefulness. Seniors and juniors should be open to different opportunities and not pigeon-hole themselves into only one industry, she said. “You shouldn’t be afraid of doing a very basic, entry-level job,” she said. “People just expect they are going to get this very well-paying job, but that’s not really the way it works. Go in with an open mentality.” In order to stay organized, Fernandez created a spreadsheet of all of the jobs she applied for. She said searching for a job during senior year is “like a part-time job in of itself,” but students still looking for a job can benefit from networking and not being afraid to ask for help. “Honestly, don’t give up,” she said. “I was fortunate to end up where I did end up, but if that weren’t the case, I’d still be interviewing.” Avalon Zoppo is a Rutgers Business School first-year student majoring in pre-business. She is an Associate News Editor at The Daily Targum. Follow her on Twitter @ avalonzoppo for more stories.
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Cap & Gown
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Before Bill Nye speaks at Rutgers Commencement... KATIE PARK NEWS EDITOR
William Sanford Nye, more popularly known as Bill Nye, comes to Rutgers as Commencement speaker with a background as an American scientist, Cornell alumnus, educator, television host, actor, writer and childhood icon. COURTESY OF ED SCHIPUL
Before William Sanford Nye agreed to accept $35,000 to speak at Rutgers-New Brunswick for the University’s 249th annual Commencement, the American scientist, Cornell alumnus, educator, television host, actor, writer and childhood icon experienced a myriad life experiences. Nye, more popularly known as Bill Nye and often heralded with a chorus of “Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill!” graduated in 1973 from Washington, D.C.’s Sidwell Friends School, an elite private school attended today by Sasha and Malia Obama. From there, he went on to attend Cornell, where he studied mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, he obtained a job at Boeing in Seattle, worked
Job prospects look bright in 2015 MEGHAN GRAU CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Class of 2015 graduates can sigh in relief, not only because your diploma is finally coming to you today, but because employment prospects are better than those faced by recent graduates, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). NACE’s spring update to their job outlook survey found that employers plan to hire 9.6 percent more new graduates from the Class of 2015 for U.S. opera-
tions than they did for the Class of 2014, according to the organization’s website. Evidence of this improvement can be seen in the job search process at Rutgers, said Janet Jones, director of Employer Relations for University Career Services. “I would say we’ve had more activity, we’ve had more jobs listed and we’ve had more employers participating in our fairs,” Jones said. “It seems that the entry-level job market has seen some growth in the positive direction ... and that has also been substantiated by NACE’s recent report.”
Out of about 55 percent of Rutgers’ Class of 2014 that responded to the annual post-graduation survey, 49.8 percent of respondents found full-time post graduation opportunities, such as full-time employment, entrepreneurial opportunities, internships and fellowships, according to University Career Services data. Overall placement for the Class of 2014, which includes employment, continued education, military service and volunteer service programs, reached 79 percent, a 14 percent increase from the Class of 2013.
as a consultant in the aeronautics industry and applied to be an astronaut at NASA every few years, where he was rejected every time. During this time, he launched his career as an entertainer in Seattle, where he was a writer and actor on a sketch comedy show, “Almost Live!” It was at “Almost Live!” that the host of the show, Ross Shafer, suggested to him the nom de guerre “The Science Guy.” Since then, he appeared in “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” “Back to the Future: The Animated Series,” “Numb3ers,” “The Principal Takes a Holiday,” “100 Greatest Discoveries,” “Greatest Inventions with Bill Nye,” “The Eyes of Nye,” America’s Most Smartest Model,” “Larry King Live,” “Stargate Atlantis,” “Stuff Happens” and “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire,” among other productions.
Nye, now 59, a resident of Washington, D.C. and chief executive officer of The Planetary Society, an American non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research and political advocacy, has been an outspoken proponent of evolution and climate change, calling both “undeniable.” In a lighter vein, he is also an avid advocate of bow ties, jokingly calling himself “Bill Nye the Bow Tie Guy,” and sundials, an obsession he inherited from his father, who made sundials to pass his time. Katie Park is a School of Arts of Arts and Sciences junior majoring in political science and journalism and media studies. She is the News Editor at The Daily Targum. Follow her on Twitter @kasopar for more stories.
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RU Responds / Photos by Colin Pieters
Q:
May 2015
RU Responds / Photos by Colin Pieters
Q:
What will you miss most about Rutgers?
What is your proudest moment at Rutgers?
“All the great people I’ve met and probably won’t see again.”
“Being a part of the West Indian Student Organization, networking with some of the greateat minds the world will ever see.”
SEBS
SCI
Erin Glen
Johnis Dupris
Jesus Alcazar
Brandon Amir RBS
SAS
“I’m not going to miss walking to see if there was a parking ticket on my dash.” “The wide array of events that take place here — there is a large social community here and the events add to it.” SCI
“Being with the professors and (listening to) them talking passionately about the things that we learned.” “I’ll miss the freedom, because you can go where you want at any time.”
“I’m most proud of our senior design project where we built a 3D printer from scratch.”
Shayla Laws
Meghan King
SAS
“Biggest accomplishment was when I went to the White House for a bill signing ceremory. I got to meet the president and shake his hand. ”
SAS
Johnis Dupris
Jesus Alcazar
GSE
“I did a lot. I was an RA, and I was involved in Student Life.” “I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in or what my future was. ... So my greatest achievement would have to be taking in all of Rutgers and finding my identity.”
SOE
SCI
Michaela Riveria
Ben Lee
Moizz Syed
Tori Fetner
SAS
MGSA
“It’s the number one public university (with) the highest diversity in America. And (I’ll miss)the things you learn from other people.”
“My biggest accomplishment was (that) I didn’t break the number one rule of the art school, which was not crying in “crit.” GRAPHICS BY RAMYA CHITIBOMMA / DESIGN EDITOR
Cap & Gown
May 2015
Page 7
While you’re waiting...
What kind of fat sandwich are you?
1
Describe your study habits: A. Start a few days in advance. You skipped a few classes, but you’ve got a
good friend or two in the class and solid notes to get you an A
B. Start well in advance with all of your notes,
flashcards and multi-colored pens
C. Start the day of. You skipped a lot of classes, but you’re confident
enough in your studying abilities to know you’ll pass with a decent grade
D. What studying?
2
It’s 1:30 a.m. and your stomach is growling after a night out. Where do you go?
3
What did you do during spring break?
4
A. Hansel n’ Griddle B. Thomas Sweet C. Mamoun’s D. RU Grill
A. Nothing better than a week of community service B. I needed a week to just sleep C. I went back home to spend time with my family D. A week off means a trip to Panama City Beach
What campus did you spend the most time on during college?
A. Livingston B. Cook/Douglass C. Busch D. College Avenue
5
Which kind of pizza calls to you?
6
What will you miss most about Rutgers?
A. Cheese B. Veggie C. Hawaiian
D. Chicken Bacon Ranch
See results on page 8.
A. The awesome professors B. The virtually unlimited opportunities for research C. The animal farm D. Bar-hopping GRAPHIC BY RAMYA CHITIBOMMA / DESIGN EDITOR
GRAPHIC BY MARIELLE SUMERGIDO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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50%
of bloggers are millennials.
80%
of millennials sleep with their cell phone next to the bed each night, never too far from a text even in slumber.
65%
of millennials’ main sources for news is from television.
Millennials that would choose social media freedom and device flexibility over a higher salary:
15%
of millennials are already in management positions.
Employed millennials who started their own business on the side to supplement an existing income:
May 2015
52%
of millennials say being a good parent is one of the most important things to them.
33% 38% 35% 62%
Millennials that agree with preferential treatment to improve the position of minorities:
45%
of millennials have between one to six tattoos.
59%
of millennials’ main sources for news is from the web.
Young people are more tolerant of races and groups than older generations: Older: Younger:
47%
19%
Millennials who were born to at least one immigrant parent:
11%
Millennials touch their smartphones:
42
times a day
of millennials believe college was worth it.
33%
of older millennials (ages 26 to 33) earned at least a four-year college degree, making them the besteducated group of young adults in US history.
GRAPHIC BY RAMYA CHITIBOMMA / DESIGN EDITOR
GRAPHIC BY MARIELLE SUMERGIDO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
RESULTS FOR “WHAT KIND OF FAT SANDWICH ARE YOU?” MOSTLY A: You got the Fat Cat! Made up of double cheeseburgers with french fries, mayo, ketchup, lettuce and tomato, you’re classic, always fun and always welcomed. MOSTLY B: You got the Fat Mom! Made up of a cheesesteak, bacon and egg, french fries, mayo, ketchup, lettuce and tomato, you’re a comforting, cheering presence for any occasion. MOSTLY C: You got the Fat Filipino! Made up of cheesesteak
with chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, gyro meat, french fries, white sauce, lettuce and tomato, you’ve got a lot more going on than what meets the eye, with an extra, unexpected punch of personality. MOSTLY D: You got the Fat Bastard! Made up of chicken fingers, gyro meat, mozzarella sticks, french fries, white sauce, lettuce and tomato, you’re fun-loving and a celebrated addition anywhere.
OPINIONS Cap & Gown
May 2015
Congratulations to graduating former editors of The Daily Targum!
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Cap & Gown
May 2015
Page 11
MEN’S TRACK & FIELD D’ANDRE JORDAN
Senior reflects on sprinting career as graduation nears MIKE O’SULLIVAN
He also earned an American Athletic Conference Track Athlete of the Week award during his Four years can seem like an junior season. Finally, his senior season has eternity to some, while others feel also been a rewarding year for the like time passes too quickly. The four years spent in col- Knights altogether, as he was part lege bring hectic times for stu- of the Metropolitan Indoor windent-athletes, having to balance ning 4x400 team. What separates Jordan from practice and game schedules with many other student-athletes, difficult coursework. As the pressure from internal however, is how he has carried and external sources builds, the over his success on the track into frustration that mounts according- the classroom. While in the Big East, he was ly could take its toll. But for Rutgers men’s track named to the Big East All-Acaand field senior sprinter D’Andre demic team. He has also been named to the Jordan, he feels his four years as a Scarlet Knight flew by because of U.S. Track and Field and Cross Countr y Coaches Association how much he enjoyed them. “My time at Rutgers has been All-Academic Team, and will finabsolutely great,” Jordan said. ish this season as an Academic “Our whole team has become All-American. Jordan plans to pursue a career like a family, and I’ve grown so much here. It’s been a in human resources and should be well-ser ved by his academic sucgreat experience.” Jordan’s career is nearly equal- cess while at Rutgers. “I’m really ly decorated interested in both on and off human resourcthe track. “D’Andre Jordan has es, and that’s The Brookmeant a lot to our what I’m going lyn native was program ... he has been a to look to get a high school state champion great example and leader into,” he said. “I’m planning to in New York prifor the team.” break into the or to entering industr y within Rutgers, makMIKE MULQUEEN the first couple ing an immediHead Coach of years out of ate impact in his college, and as freshman campaign as a part of the 4x400-meter I get more experience, I hope to relay team that finished in third work my way up to become a huplace at the IC4A Championships. man resources manager.” Jordan has been valuable In his sophomore season, he was again part of the 4x400 team. not only as an athlete, but also as This time, it finished in second a leader. Head coach Mike Mulqueen place at the Big East Championships, which he says is his biggest has seen Jordan grow from a freshman looking to find his niche, to a accomplishment on the track. “What I’m most proud of on vocal leader in his senior season, the track is when we came in sec- brimming with confidence and asond place for the 4x400 at the Big sisting his younger teammates to East Championships,” he said. also develop as athletes. “D’Andre Jordan has meant “Ever yone on the team came together, and it was a good way to a lot to our program,” Mulqueen end the meet. We scored points said. “Besides his contributions as throughout the meet, and it was a runner, he has been a great example and leader for the team. He a great feeling.” The success carried over into is an academic All-American, too. his junior season, where he won … He will be missed.” Jordan is widely known within the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes at the Metropolitan In- the program as a valuable teammate, but he also received outside door Championships. STAFF WRITER
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After bursting onto the scene for Rutgers as a sprinter in his freshman season, D’Andre Jordan looks to make a similar impact in the human resources field. EDWIN GANO / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR / APRIL 2015 recognition when he was named a Big Ten Championships Sportsmanship Honoree during the indoor season. Becoming a part of the school’s first Big Ten Championships meant a lot to his legacy as a Knight, but Jordan hopes Rutgers can take the next step moving for ward. “The future is extremely bright for the program,” he said. “Our coaches are amazing and we have
some great recruits coming in. There is already a lot of talent on the team and everyone is ready to grow.” Someone who has spent the year teaming with Jordan on the 4x400-unit is freshman sprinter Stuart Tweedie. He credits the veteran, Jordan, for the help spurring his development and setting a good example for other newcomers. “D’Andre and other veterans have taught some of us
younger guys to run more relaxed,” he said. “It is kind of counterintuitive, because if you think you want to run fast, you’ll actually tense up and exer t more energy. So the biggest thing I’ve learned is that to run fast, you have to be relaxed and comfor table.” For updates on the Rutgers men’s track and field team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
Cap & Gown
Page 12
May 2015
WOMEN’S LACROSSE SIX SENIORS BID FAREWELL
Captain sails off into real world after five years at RU BRIAN FONSECA STAFF WRITER
When the last ticks of the Rutgers women’s lacrosse season expired in the first round of the inaugural Big Ten Tournament, the final horn of the careers of six Scarlet Knight seniors sounded and their illustrious careers had come to a close. Melissa Arthur, Candice Dandridge, Hollie DiMuro, Lauren Sbrilli, Erin Turkot and Jenny Vlahos held their sticks for the last time in collegiate competition as the clock displayed all zeroes on that night against Ohio State. A goalkeeper, two defenders, two midfielders and one attacker left the field at High Point Solutions Stadium and began their journey into the real world after receiving degrees in journalism and media studies, sports management, environmental planning, exercise science, psychology and labor studies respectively. “It’s pretty crazy, because I’ve been here for half a decade,” Sbrilli said of the end of her stay on the banks. “I’m going to miss being here and being a couple of houses away from my teammates and my friends, but it’s a new chapter and I’m excited.” Upon graduating, Sbrilli will be looking for a job in marketing to begin her life outside of lacrosse after playing the spor t for more than a decade. Her fellow fifth-year senior teammate, Erin Turkot, will continue her educa-
tion at Rutgers, allowing her to extend her stay in Piscataway. “I’m still completing my master’s and then I hope to get a job in college athletics or something of that nature because my degree is in sports management, so I won’t be too far from here,” Turkot said. Turkot was the only senior who was named as a captain in the 2015 season and the defender could not have been more proud. “Being a captain of the team is something I really feel honored to have the opportunity to do,” Turkot said. “I love this team with all my heart, so it was nice to be able to lead them. Even though our season didn’t go the way we’d hoped, it was an honor to be a Scarlet Knights captain.” Arthur has gotten off to a fast start in beginning her career outside of Rutgers. While she wasn’t able to work in her field of study, she hopes to pursue her dream in the future. “I’m in Florida right now, actually. I got a job in sales out by Orlando. In June, I’ll be moving to Florida,” Arthur said. “I’m actually a journalism major. I’ve always wanted to do sports reporting and I’d still love to get into that in the future. This is just a little curve in the road.” Arthur ended her final year in college by hosting the first annual R Awards banquet, which recognized the top performances and seasons among all of Rutgers athletics for its inaugural season in the Big Ten. While she enjoyed the experience, naming it her favorite event in
One of six seniors on the team, defender Erin Turkot, spent the 2015 season as an unquestioned leader, the lone captain for the Scarlet Knights. NAAZ MODAN / PHOTO EDITOR / APRIL 2015 her four years on the banks, Arthur wasn’t as comfortable as she is on the lacrosse field. “The one we just had, the ‘R Awards,’ was my favorite event,” the Marlton, New Jersey, native
said. “I was the host of it, so it was a great thing to leave school with such a fun awards ceremony. It was ver y ner ve-wracking. I never pictured myself doing that, speaking in front of 900 people. It was
PERSONAL CHOICES AND THEIR
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ver y rewarding.” Spending countless hours at the Hale Center, the Knights become familiar with each other and build friendships based on a mutual understanding of what it takes to be a Division I athlete. At the end of every year, the athletes participate in “The Color Games,” a day of friendly competition to take a break from finals and enjoy each other’s company while participating in a plethora of sports and activities. The event is a hit with the competitors. “Being an athlete, all of our time essentially is spent at the Hale and it’s true for almost any student-athlete,” Turkot said. “It’s a place where we see each others faces and it’s somewhere we would socialize and study and exercise. So my favorite event to participate in would probably be ‘The Color Games.’” Every senior on the team acknowledged the benefits of being a collegiate competitor, including learning how to manage their time and understanding the key to success is hard work. “In my time here as a student-athlete, I’ve certainly learned how to manage my time, work hard as well as how to be a good leader,” Turkot said. “Those are all things that will help me later in life and they’re a testament to what Rutgers has taught me while I was here.” After leading the Knights in the first season of women’s lacrosse in Big Ten history, Turkot speaks for her fellow seniors in reflecting on her time spent in New Brunswick. “When I look back at my time at Rutgers, it’s something I wouldn’t change for any other experience in the world,” Turkot said. “The school embodies the family environment like nothing I’ve seen before, and that’s especially true within the athletics department. On our team, with our coaches, we’ve been given so many opportunities. It’s been a blessing to be able to spend five years here.” For updates on the Rutgers women’s lacrosse team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
Cap & Gown
May 2015 WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD JILLIAN GRANT
Page 13 MEN’S GOLF JACOB STOCKL
Top golfer departs after four years EVAN BRUNO STAFF WRITER
Senior sprinter Jillian Grant attributes her success on and off the track to her supporting cast, including head coach James Robinson. EDWIN GANO / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR / APRIL 2015
Senior sprinter crosses finish line to end career KAYLEE POFAHL STAFF WRITER
By definition, to commence is to begin. With every commencement comes the inseparable duality of endings and beginnings. Although it is difficult for Rutgers women’s track and field sprinter Jillian Grant to wrap her head around her collegiate career coming to a close, the senior maintains an enthusiastic optimism for the future. “I can’t believe it’s ending,” Grant said. “It’s bittersweet, but you know, at the end of ever y road is an opening to new beginnings — so I’m looking for ward to the new beginning.” Grant moves for ward, leaving behind a decorated career on the banks. During the 2013 indoor season, the sprinter was part of the 4x400-meter relay squad that took home the gold at the New Year Invitational in Princeton. During her 2014 outdoor campaign, Grant captured the 400-meter hurdles title at the University of Southern Florida Bulls Invitational, clocking in the fifth-best time in the Rutgers records book at 1:01.28. At the kickoff event of the 2015 indoor season, Grant was the Rutgers Invitational champion in the 400-meter dash and captured third in the 200-meter dash. To polish off the early season successes, she was also part of 4x400-meter relay team that took first place. Her consistent, pivotal role in relay quartets was seen most recently at the Tennessee Challenge on May 2. Grant ran in the 4x400-meter and 4x100-meter relays, which both rounded out third place finishes. With a collegiate athletic career perforated with numerous successes, Grant has countless cherished memories highlighting her four years as a Scarlet Knight. Moving forward, she will carry these memories with her along with the lessons learned along the way. A journalism and media studies major with a double minor in labor studies and digital communication information and media, Grant hopes to have a career in
marketing within the entertainment industr y. As a result of the immense support provided during her time as a student-athlete, Grant’s eyes were opened to the genuine benevolence of others. This insight helps to give her a positive outlook as she takes on new journeys after college. “I feel like athletics and just the support, the athletic support, has definitely showed me that there really are good people in the world that really care for the betterment of others,” Grant said. “I think that’s something to bring forward as I go into the real world — that not everybody is out to do damage and do harm, that there are really good people in the world.” The people she has met during her time as a Knight have played a major role in Grant’s experiences and memories throughout the past four years. Though she will miss many aspects of her life as a student-athlete, above all, time with her teammates will leave the largest void. “I’ll miss just being with my team all the time. We’re a really close unit and they really are like my family,” Grant said. “I’ll definitely miss being around them all day, everyday.” Although graduation marks a momentous change in Grant’s life, she is confident that she will utilize the lessons learned from her time at Rutgers in her future endeavors. While her time as a student-athlete may be ending, the bonds that she has formed and strengthened as a Knight are not. Grant moves onward in life not alone, but with her teammates, her friends, still by her side. “I feel like athletics really has helped me grow as a person, so it’s sad to see it go, but that’s life,” Grant said. “It was definitely the best four years thus far in my life. I’ve learned a great deal. I’ve definitely grown as a person, and I’m glad to continue on in my career and my path in life because I know I’ll be bringing a lot of my teammates who are now my best friends along with me. It’s really been a great four years.” For updates on the Rutgers women’s track and field team, follow @ TargumSports on Twitter.
All paths have must have a finish. After competing for the Rutgers men’s golf team over the course of four seasons, Jacob Stockl has reached the destination every student-athlete strives to reach: graduation day. Stockl will don his cap and gown along with fellow Class of 2015 students for graduation ceremonies at High Point Solutions Stadium on Sunday, May 17. The Scarlet Knights ended their season at the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana, on April 26. The tournament also marked Stockl’s final event as a Knight. Rutgers finished in 14th place at the four round tournament with a team total of 1274. The Knights had a rough going the first two rounds, shooting scores of 328 and 322. The team improved and played well in the rounds three and four with totals of 312 in both rounds. Stockl had a similar track record with his team at the Big Ten Championship. He shot a 14 over par 86 in the first round and a plus-11, 83 in round two. Stockl played some of his best golf of the year in rounds three and four. By shooting a plus-one 73 in the third round and a four over par 76 in round four, Stockl greatly assisted Rutgers with his efforts. Stockl finished in 62nd place as an individual with a plus-30, 318. “This week, I thought I played a lot better the last two rounds,” Stockl said after the Big Ten Championship. “I think we all played a lot better the last few rounds. I felt like we all just stepped up to the plate and played the games we’re capable of playing and we all know that we’re really good players. We know that we have the ability to compete with the best teams out there.
This week, we didn’t play as well as we could have, but we all have the ability to get the job done in the future.” Head coach Rob Shute was impressed with Stockl’s attitude, refusing to give up despite the tumultuous opening rounds at the tournament. “Obviously, he was disappointed with the way things started just like everybody else,” Shutte said at the Big Ten Championship. “He had some high numbers in those rounds, those early rounds, and he battled back with a more respectable round (on April 26) and played really solid golf (on April 27) in some of the hardest conditions. I know he played solid golf the last 36 holes, but he competed hard all the way through the finish even after the same disappointing start. He came in wanting to do well, so given those situations he competed hard.” Stockl graduated from Arthur L. Johnson High School in 2011 and enrolled at Rutgers to compete on the banks. He saw some playing time right that fall and had a stroke average of 77.80, which is remarkable for a freshman golfer. In the fall of 2012, Stockl
earned two top-ten finishes. In his final season on the banks, Stockl was the lone senior among the Knights in his team. He did a fine job, letting his play lead by example. Stockl was named Big Ten Golfer of the Week twice this past season and helped guide his team to several solid finishes. Graduating with a degree in Labor Studies and Employment Relations, the final chapter on Stockl’s career at Rutgers comes to a close. “It’s pretty wild looking back on it,” Stockl said reflecting on his four-year career after the Big Ten Championship. “I mean, it’s been a great four years. I wouldn’t want to change anything and I’ve learned a lot as a person, as an athlete, and as a student. I know that I’ll continue to open the next chapter of my life and it’s sad, yeah, definitely, but I’ll just open a new chapter in my life and I can always grow from it.” For updates on the Rutgers men’s golf team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
Leading by example through his play on the green in his four years at Rutgers, senior Jacob Stockl leaves behind a lasting legacy. YINGJIE HU / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / APRIL 2015
Cap & Gown
Page 14
May 2015
SOFTBALL CHANDLER HOWARD
Senior outfielder anticipates graduate school career RYAN MORAN STAFF WRITER
A mother plays an integral role in how a family is run from day to day. For the Rutgers softball team, senior left fielder Chandler Howard embraced that role as the “Team Mom.” “If you ask anybody on the team, they would tell you she is the team mom,” said senior center fielder Jackie Bates. “She has the biggest heart on the team and always puts everyone else before herself.” At first thought of the headliners for the Scarlet Knights, two that come to mind right away are Bates and senior left-hander Alyssa Landrith — rightfully so because of what they’ve achieved in their careers. However, Howard is the third senior on the team who has also been a standout with her production as a four year starter as a Knight. She brings a different element to the team as a leader, known by her teammates as a bright spot with her noticeably large smile. When talking about herself and her fellow seniors, she described their relationship as “the perfect blend together.” The group has been together all four years and has made a huge impact on the program. The three have lived together throughout all four years at Rutgers, forming an inseparable bond of friendship.
When deciding on a school, Howard felt Rutgers offered her ever ything she wanted. It was the perfect distance from her home in North Wilmington, Delaware. There was a sense of familiarity with some of the girls on the team and it presented an elite education. When she finally made the visit, she knew it was home. Head coach Jay Nelson recalled a stor y of what describes Howard as player and person, perfectly. “When I recruited Chandler — one of the days I saw her and I decided I was going to ask her to join us,” he said. “She had a bad day, but you couldn’t tell by the way she approached the game and that’s what we look for. When she faced adversity, it didn’t bother her. She went in and battled the best she could. That’s what she’s done here and has been a leader on and of f the field.” Many traits stand out about Howard, one of them being her durability. As a four-year starter she has started every game for the Knights the last three seasons and coming off the bench in only five games. “Between the support of my teammates and sister and trying to keep the same mental approach the four years that it will be okay and I will have fun it helped me,” she said of her durability. “That’s my big thing — softball is fun, let’s go have fun.”
She’s had quite the decorated career since coming up from Delaware. In her freshman season she was named to the Big East All-Conference Team. In her junior season, she was named AllAAC Second Team. But her favorite memory came last postseason. “Definitely beating Houston on their field to advance to the next round of the tournament (was a good memory),” she recalled in the semifinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament last year. “We never did, and it allowed us to play on ESPN.” Although she may not put up the stats Bates has the last two years, Howard is no slouch at the plate herself posting a career .327 batting average with 17 home runs and 100 runs batted in. She had a career high .389 batting average in 2014, which is good for fifth all-time in a single season in program history. With her 204 hits, she ranks third on the school’s all-time list. As her career comes to a close in the next few weeks, she looks back on what an impact the team and sport have had on her. “I think playing here has taught me so much about myself and how I’m tough and how much I can handle,” Howard said. “I’ve learned about time management as well as countless other things. It was the best time of my life. It was just so much fun and it’s sad
Senior left fielder Chandler Howard starred for Rutgers, but her teammates say they will remember her for her leadership. TIANFANG YU / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / APRIL 2015
that it’s coming to any end. It’s all I have really known.” Although her playing career at Rutgers is coming to an end, she will be staying at the school for another year. As a member of the Graduate School of Education, Howard’s focus remains on teaching special education and elementary education. She will also stay on with the team in the role of a team manager next season. She thanked many for their support, because it wouldn’t have been easy without them. “I want to thank my whole family,” Howard said. “They’re a great support system, especially my sis-
ter who has always been there for me and my teammates and my senior class. I wouldn’t have gotten through this without them.” If Howard takes on life in the same light as how she took the softball diamond on a daily basis throughout the past four years, Nelson said he thinks that success is inevitable. He had one piece of advice for her. “Play the game of life like you do softball,” he said. For updates on the Rutgers softball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
Cap & Gown
May 2015
Page 15
MEN’S LACROSSE BRIAN GOSS, JOE NARDELLA
Rutgers seniors say goodbye after helping rebuild program KEVIN XAVIER ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR
Four years ago, the Rutgers men’s lacrosse team was in a state of transition. Brian Brecht had started his first year as head coach for the Scarlet Knights and the first two years of his regime were rough — the Knights were a combined 8-21 in 2012-13 — but buried beneath the barrel of losses were two budding young stars for Rutgers. A quiet kid from outside of Chicago and a scrappy kid, slight in stature, from upstate New York began a journey together to help Brecht rebuild the program. Brian Goss, the mild-mannered midfielder from the midwest, came to the banks after a well-decorated high school career in Arlington Heights, Illinois, claiming all-conference honors three times and earning Second Team All-State in his senior year at Saint Viator High School. Goss said it took a little time to grow accustomed to the grind of collegiate athletics in a new state and at a whole new level of competition. “My freshman year was definitely an adjustment,” Goss said. “A little bit of culture shock coming from the Midwest, but it just took time.” At that same time, Joe Nardella, the high-motor midfielder from Cazenovia, New York, had began his career on the banks with a slight position change. Nardella, a full-time player in high school and fresh off a championship finish in his senior season, was asked to ser ve primarily as a faceoff specialist in Piscataway. This prompted an adjustment for Nardella, who recalls his experience as an undersized underclassmen. “After that first year being smaller and a little undersized, I knew I had to put on some weight and muscle to compete with these bigger guys,” Nardella said. He explained how the learning curve took a little time for him and the team to get acclimated, but he and Goss shouldered the burden.
“After those first two tough years we knew we had to step it up in our junior year,” Nardella said of him and Goss. “We just tried to step it up to get everyone else on board.” In order to make the changes the pair had to work together, calling on their experiences on and off the field to strengthen their bond. “Goss and I have always been pretty close off the field since freshman year,” Nardella said. “Being the two guys who played a lot as underclassmen, we spent a lot of time together on and off the field.” And slowly but surely, the tides turned. Under the senior leadership of Scott Klimchuk and captains Nardella and Goss — serving in his second season in the role — Rutgers finished 8-8, highlighted by the first Big East Tournament win in school history. Nardella, formerly the little nuisance at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds as a freshman, would become not only feared at the faceoff ‘X,’ but the most decorated faceoff man in school history. Nardella finished his senior season for Brecht at third in the country in winning percentage at .670 (223-for-333), fourth in groundballs (125), all the while establishing himself as a bulldog in the newly-formed Big Ten Lacrosse Conference. But the dream continues. Nardella will leave the Knights for New England and the pro ranks after being taken as the 36th overall pick in the 2015 Major league Lacrosse Amateur Draft by the Boston Cannons. Goss expects Nardella’s success on the banks will continue in Boston’s back bay. “(Nardella) is an unbelievable player,” Goss said. “(He is) a treat to play with, and I know he’ll have success at the next level.” The soft-spoken Goss has allowed his play on the field to do the talking, appearing in every game (60) since arriving in Piscataway and starting all but two. His ability to stay on the field for Rutgers has earned him the moniker the “Iron Knight,” battling ankle, wrist and groin injuries, but refusing to miss time.
Senior Joe Nardella ends his career at Rutgers, statistically, as the best faceoff specialist in the program’s 125-year history. MICHELLE KLEJMONT / MANAGING EDITOR / MARCH 2015
Even with Goss’ career-year in 2015, scoring highs in goals (21) and points (23), it’s sometimes difficult to gauge his impact on the game and his team. “Obviously he’s an all-around solid player,” Nardella said of Goss. “He’s that centerpiece that we’ve relied on the last couple years. He’s not flashy, he just gets it done.” Unfortunately Rutgers was unable to get it done for most the 2015 season — finishing an underwhelming 5-10 overall and 1-4 in the Big Ten — but Goss knows the strides that were made. “Our record probably doesn’t show it, but we were in ever y one of these games,” Goss said. “One bounce goes here or there, and who knows, it could’ve been different.” Too often the Knights found themselves on the short end of the stick after staying close against a hellacious slate of games, losing six games by two goals or less, including ranked opponents Virginia, Army, Maryland, Johns Hopkins and Princeton. But it all came together on Senior Day — almost as if it were scripted. After chipping away at the wall for months, Rutgers blitzed the No.10 Ohio State Buckeyes 17-10, in Nardella and Goss’ final game on the banks. “The season was a little bit of a disappointing season in terms of the record, but the win against Ohio State really made all the tough losses worth it,” Goss said. ”There’s definitely been a culture change since Joe (Nardella) and I got here. Overall, the program is going in an upward trend and although it might not show in the record the progress is there.”
Senior midfielder Brian Goss was dubbed the “Iron Knight” after playing in every game of his career on the banks (60), starting 58. LUO ZHENGCHEN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / APRIL 2015
Although he stated many times throughout the course of the season that he is not a fan moral victories, Brecht reflected on 2015 with a positive attitude. “To finish the season this way was exciting and gives us a lot of momentum going forward,” Brecht said. “To do this at home, on national television, and on a day where we honored our alumni and the foundation they built for this program, it is a great moment.” As the cur tain closes on their athletic and scholastic careers, both Goss and Nardella
believe the program is in a better place. “Freshman year, we didn’t really play anybody,” Nardella remembered. “I think we went down to Charlottesville (Virginia) and just got shredded by Syracuse on TV, and it showed us how far we were away. This past year, we competed with everybody — the young guys had to grow up pretty quick. But Senior Day, beating a ranked team on national TV, it was a fairytale ending.” For updates on Rutgers men’s lacrosse, follow @KevinPXavier and @TargumSports on Twitter.
“
Rutgers will always be your home. Your professors and advisors don’t abandon you just because you are graduating. We are here for you as long as you want us. There will always be a strong connection between you and the banks and you should never let go of that tie that binds us.
”
Steven Miller
Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Journalism and Media Studies
School of Communication and Information